9 Things to Do in Livermore: From the Outdoors to Oddities

The charming city of Livermore is located about 45 minutes away from the San Francisco Bay Area, but you couldn’t be farther away from the urban bustle if you tried. Visitors can find a range of activities that include spending a weekend in nature, to a multitude of options as far as fine dining is concerned. Local attractions are at the heart of Livermore, and tourists are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Here are some of our favorites.

A Weekend Getaway From the Bay

Image Source: Yelp

A getaway for the weekend doesn’t require a long road trip to find a secluded forest. The surroundings of this park are replete with nature—a luxury in and of itself, and only 10 miles south of downtown Livermore in Del Valle Regional Park. On top of its social-centric, communal-style camping, this park has large grass fields for picnics and outdoor activities like canoe rentals, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing-supplies. The family dog will be just as pleased by the offerings at Del Valle Regional Park, where fantastic hikes overlook the water in a thoroughly pooch-friendly setting. Camping does require a reservation, so make sure you plan ahead. Insider tip: Del Valle Regional Park also offers an audio boat tour that will answer any questions about the lake and wildlife in the area. Bring your jacket, sunscreen, and binoculars for maximum enjoyment.

Learn About the World We Live In

Image Source: Lawrence Livermore National Lab

One of the more unique attractions of Livermore is the Lawrence Livermore National Lab Discovery Center. Their shows make this center friendly for all ages and truly bring science to life as different teachers host lively demonstrations and experiments. In addition, educational scavenger hunts are offered for kids—a cool opportunity to learn about the world—but there are also informative and engaging displays for adults, too, so nobody misses out. The Discovery Center, located off Greenville Road on Eastgate Drive, is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., so don’t miss the exhibits if you get a chance to stop by. Insider tip: Plan to visit the Lawrence Livermore National Lab Discovery Center before or after lunch, as there aren’t any restaurants in walking distance.

Have a Taste of Beer in the Wine Country

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This brewery in the middle of Livermore’s wine country has become a popular attraction for the locals as well as visitors. Crowds increase when food is available, typically on the weekends; but even when food is not offered, visitors still flock to meet local brewers who pack a true handle on their craft. For fans of of IPA, this brewery should take a place at the top of the list; if you’re picky, no worries—Altamont Beer Works let you taste before you make your purchase selection, and tastings are only $5 per person. Insider tip: While their seasonal and specialty beers are hard to pass up, IPA fans love the “Hella Hoppy.”

Discover Livermore’s Unique History

Image Source: Centennial Light Bulb

Among Livermore’s attractions is a unique part of local history called the Centennial Light Bulb, which is the longest-burning bulb in the world. This attraction only requires a quick stop inside a fire station, and it really is an amazing piece of science that gives kids a chance to say that they have seen a unique piece of American history. Insider tip: Think about it: this bulb has been burning for 114 years. That’s almost one million hours—something to put a three-hour car ride into perspective, don’t you think?

Concerts With an Unforgettable View

Image Source: Wente Vineyards

The wine culture and Concerts at the Wente Vineyards are a unique combination of incredible performances with the view of a pristine vineyard setting. How else would you want to end a night than with fine dining and music? Past performances include Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Smokey Robinson and other popular artists like Colbie Caillat and Christina Perri. Insider tip: The most popular concert lineups occur throughout the months of July and August, and tickets usually go on sale in the end of May, so keep a lookout for announcements.

Find Your Workout in Nature

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The Brushy Peak Regional Preserve offers two trails for runners and lovers of the great outdoors. One trail goes straight to the 1,700-foot Brushy Peak, and the other is slightly longer, but less steep. Depending on what type of runner you are, these trails offer either a long endurance run, or a short, yet challenging, cardiovascular workout. It’s a moderate-sized park just off of the 580 Freeway, so it’s accessible, but best of all, entry is free. Brushy Peak is known to be less crowded and is friendly to bikes, pedestrians, horses, and dogs. Insider tip: Be aware that the trails do not offer much shade, so bring lots of water to stay hydrated, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Get Your Adrenaline Rush

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Blow off some steam at the end of the day at Umigo Indoor Kart Racing, where the racetracks and staff allow drivers of all levels to find their adrenaline rush. Make sure to call ahead to ensure that the tracks are open for use on the day you plan to visit. After a day of racing, grab delicious local pizza near the tracks at Melo’s Pizza & Pasta. Insider tip: Don’t just hit the brake when you make a turn. Easing off the pedal speeds up your kart with every turn you make!

Segway Through the Vineyards

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Segways have become a popular way of touring new places, and you can find them rolling around most cities in Europe. If you have never ridden a Segway before, consider giving it a shot in the beautiful scenic trails and charming vineyards of Livermore. The segway tours are led by a guide, which frees you up to enjoy the views without getting lost. Five different tours are available, all approximately 2.5 hours long, where you can take in the essence of Livermore Wine Country. Tour times vary depending on which you choose to take, so call ahead for the schedule. Insider tip: Leave about 30 minutes at the end of your schedule so you don’t have to rush through the last winery.

Catch Classic Films With Vintage Vibes

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The Vine Cinema & Alehouse isn’t your ordinary movie theatre. Visitors can purchase amazing beer, food, and wine that are all served table- or couch-side, inside the theatre. While the amenities are modern, this theater has an alternative ambiance that differentiates it from a traditional movie theatre: classic and independent films are shown, and even live sporting events if the need arises. Large groups are welcome, but it can also be a fun way to tack on something unique to a date night as well. In any case, the cinematic atmosphere is accompanied by calamari appetizers, classic burgers, and a large selection of wine and draft beer at the ready: it’s hard to go wrong, and hey—it might even be better than popcorn. Insider tip: You can also order food from Zephyr Grill next door and bring it to the theater if you’d like.

A wide range of activities makes it hard for visitors to pick and choose. Whether you decide to take advantage of the opportunity to immerse yourself in Wine Country through lively Segway tours, or enjoy rollicking concerts in the rolling vineyards, Livermore proves to be a flavorful area with events that fill the calendar year-round.